The Prince of Wales has called the past year the “hardest year” of his life, reflecting on the challenges he has faced while visiting South Africa. Speaking to reporters, Prince William opened up about the difficulties of supporting his wife, the Princess of Wales, and his father, King Charles, through cancer diagnoses.
“It’s been dreadful. Probably the hardest year in my life. Balancing everything else and keeping everything on track has been really difficult,” he said when asked about the past year.
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Earlier this year, Buckingham Palace revealed that the King was diagnosed with cancer in February and started treatment, followed shortly by the announcement of Princess Catherine’s chemotherapy treatment for her own diagnosis. The King has since resumed public duties, and the Princess has completed her treatment.
Prince William expressed pride in both his wife and father for their resilience, describing the family’s experiences as “brutal” on a personal level. Royal commentator Robert Hardman noted on the BBC’s Today programme that William’s candid reflections are part of the royal family’s shift toward a more open public image, highlighted by recent documentaries featuring the Prince and the Queen.
During his South Africa visit, Prince William hosted the Earthshot Prize awards, where five projects received £1 million each for environmental innovations. Reflecting on his role as Prince of Wales, he admitted that while he does not relish increased responsibility, he appreciates the freedom to champion projects like Earthshot. “That’s the future for me,” he said, emphasizing his desire to make a meaningful impact.
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William, who has recently grown a beard, joked that it divided opinions, particularly his daughter Charlotte’s, who was initially upset, prompting him to shave. Balancing his duties as a future king with family commitments, he conveyed satisfaction in finding a balance between official duties and family life.
On his final day in Cape Town, the Prince met with fishermen involved in Abalobi, an Earthshot finalist project focused on supporting small-scale fishing communities. Amidst enthusiastic welcomes, a few protesters voiced concerns about local and international issues, including the conflict in Israel and indigenous rights.